Behind the brush

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María José Miranda has played a key role in the promotion of Mexican culture and traditions in Toronto, Canada, since 1994. Her frequent travels to Mexico help maintain her deep connection with its history, people, and traditions.

At the age of 13, she became a member of “Alianza Mexicano Canadiense,” one of the very first Mexican dance groups established in Toronto, where she later taught both adults and children.

In 2005, she joined Ballet Folklórico Puro México (BFPM) as a dancer, and by 2007, she took on the direction of the non-profit organization. Under her leadership, BFPM made history by becoming the first Mexican dance group to secure the first place award in the folk-dance competition at the 2010 "International CHIN Picnic." During her tenure, the troupe participated in large-scale provincial events, including The Ontario Celebration Zone (hosted for the Pan-American Games in 2015) and the Canada 150 official celebrations (hosted at Queen's Park in 2017).

While directing BFPM, María José led the group's participation in the Harbourfront Centre’s Día de Muertos celebrations (2013–2017). During this period, she had the opportunity to design and execute Día de Muertos makeup and the traditional Ofrenda exhibit. The origin of her passion project truly started here, as she had the vision to not only showcase Mexican folklore with the “Calaveras y Colores” program but also to feature all performers in full skull makeup for the show—a challenging but beautifully executed artistic goal. She created traditional altars dedicated to community members and important figures of Mexico’s past, including: Don Gilberto Hernández, Amalia Hernández, Diego Rivera, José Clemente Orozco, David Alfaro Siqueiros, and Adela Velarde Pérez (Adelita).

Transitioning to an independent artist, María José continued her commitment to the Harbourfront Centre's Día de Muertos festival, independently executing two Ofrendas in 2018 and 2019 in honor of iconic figures Frida Kahlo and Roberto Gómez Bolaños ("Chespirito").

A graduate of George Brown’s Graphic Design program, María José has executed Día de Muertos makeup and styling for performers since 2013. This focused passion inspired her to launch two new and independent projects in 2018: “Catrinas Makeup & Design” and “Ballet Folklórico Alma Mexicana.”

Under “Catrinas Makeup & Design,” María José has become a leading, experienced Catrina specialist, with a large global following on Instagram. She continues to explore her love for Mexican culture, fully focused on the art of Día de Muertos makeup and styling.